What is digital etiquette?
Digital etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes called, is a basic set of rules you should follow to make the Internet a better place for yourself and for others. Just as there are rules of etiquette in real life, face-to-face encounters, there are also rules you should follow while online.
How do you practice good digital etiquette? It's easier than you might think. Simply treat others as you would like to be treated, with courtesy and respect. It is also important to know your audience and to communicate accordingly.
Watch the video below for a brief introduction to digital etiquette.
How do you practice good digital etiquette? It's easier than you might think. Simply treat others as you would like to be treated, with courtesy and respect. It is also important to know your audience and to communicate accordingly.
Watch the video below for a brief introduction to digital etiquette.
What are the rules of digital etiquette?
The rules of digital etiquette vary depending upon the particular technology you are using; however, in general, there are several core principles that apply regardless of the technology being used.
Kent State University identifies nine, which are listed below. You can read more about each rule by clicking here.
1. Avoid language that may come across as strong or offensive.
2. Keep writing to a point and stay on topic.
3. Read first, write later.
4. Review, review, then send.
5. Remember that an online classroom is still a classroom.
6. Know the language of the Internet.
7. Consider the privacy of others.
8. If possible, keep attachments small.
9. Do not send, forward, or post inappropriate material.
Watch the two videos below to learn more about how to behave appropriately when using digital technology.
Kent State University identifies nine, which are listed below. You can read more about each rule by clicking here.
1. Avoid language that may come across as strong or offensive.
2. Keep writing to a point and stay on topic.
3. Read first, write later.
4. Review, review, then send.
5. Remember that an online classroom is still a classroom.
6. Know the language of the Internet.
7. Consider the privacy of others.
8. If possible, keep attachments small.
9. Do not send, forward, or post inappropriate material.
Watch the two videos below to learn more about how to behave appropriately when using digital technology.
What are some examples of appropriate digital etiquette?
1. Not texting during class
2. Not answering the phone while you are talking to someone
3. Not using offensive or inflammatory language
2. Not answering the phone while you are talking to someone
3. Not using offensive or inflammatory language
What are some examples of inappropriate digital etiquette?
1. Using all caps
2. Posting inappropriate messages or media on social networks
3. Cyber bullying
2. Posting inappropriate messages or media on social networks
3. Cyber bullying
Most importantly, we need to remember that the "digital" world is not different from the "real" world. They are one and the same.
Why is it important to teach digital etiquette in schools?
Digital technologies are increasing in number and in importance. Learning how to conduct oneself online is essential to becoming a successful 21st century citizen. Thus, as educators, we have an obligation to teach digital etiquette to our students. To this end, many schools implement what is known as an acceptable use policy, or AUP. An AUP delineates what is considered acceptable and unacceptable with regard to the use of school technology resources. Does your school have an AUP? If not, consider the example below as you draft your own AUP.
Test Your Knowledge
Take the Brain POP Digital Etiquette Quiz by clicking here.
Digital Citizenship by Stephanie Miller is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.